A series of unexplained drone sightings across New Jersey has sparked widespread speculation and concern among residents and officials alike.
According to the New York Post, Belleville Mayor Michael Melham suggests that mysterious drones flying in grid patterns over his Essex County township could be searching for missing radioactive material that disappeared during transit earlier this month.
The situation began when the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued an alert about a piece of medical equipment containing radioactive material that went missing on December 2. The device, an Eckert & Ziegler model HEGL-0132 from the Nazha Cancer Center in Newfield, Gloucester County, was discovered missing when its shipping container arrived damaged and empty at its destination.
Belleville Mayor Michael Melham shared his observations about the drone activity during an appearance on "Good Day New York." Here's what he said:
What might they be looking for? Maybe that's radioactive material. It was a shipment. It arrived at its destination. The container was damaged, and it was empty.
The FBI has reported receiving over 5,000 tips about drone sightings in recent weeks, with approximately 100 leads warranting further investigation. Federal security agencies have determined that many sightings can be attributed to legitimate sources, including commercial drones, hobbyist activities, and law enforcement operations.
The Department of Homeland Security and FBI have responded to growing public concern by deploying drone detection technology and infrared cameras to assess potential threats posed by these unidentified flying objects.
The Biden administration has consistently downplayed the significance of the drone sightings. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby maintains that the situation poses no public safety risk, suggesting that many reported sightings are actually manned aircraft.
The missing radioactive material, identified as Germanium-68, is classified below Category 3 on the International Atomic Energy Agency's scale. Officials emphasize that this classification indicates the material is unlikely to cause permanent injury due to its small quantity.
The situation has gained additional attention through social media, particularly after drone expert John Ferguson's video explanation went viral on X, garnering nearly 3 million views. Podcast host Joe Rogan's subsequent expression of concern further amplified public interest in the connection between the drones and missing radioactive material.
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate both the drone sightings and the missing radioactive material. Federal officials have implemented a coordinated response, combining advanced detection technology with support for state and local authorities.
The missing medical equipment, primarily used for calibrating PET scanners in cancer treatment, remains unaccounted for. Despite its relatively low-risk level, the coincidence of its disappearance with increased drone activity has fueled public speculation.
Federal agencies maintain their commitment to investigating these incidents while attempting to balance public concern with measured response. They continue to support state and local authorities with advanced detection technology and law enforcement assistance.
The mysterious drone sightings across New Jersey have created a complex situation involving multiple agencies and growing public concern. These sightings, combined with the disappearance of radioactive medical equipment from a cancer center in Newfield, have prompted various theories about their possible connection. As federal agencies deploy additional resources and technology to investigate both situations, they maintain that most drone sightings have conventional explanations while continuing to monitor any potential security threats.
